For the one who has absolutely no more strength

This has been me at times. I have laid in my bed after starting one more period (or even just on a normal day) and thought, “Lord, I do not have a single ounce of strength left for this.” I have, at times, begged Him to remove from my heart the desire to have children. I’ve wondered if He might just make us decidedly infertile through some tragic event, so we could know for sure we will never get pregnant again (shoot us out of our misery, if you will). I have found the thought of one more day or month to be truly agonizing, let alone the thought of a lifetime without getting pregnant or knowing if I will.

And a few months ago, feeling exhausted from a tragic, emergency surgery and recovering on my in-laws’ couch, while likewise wrestling with other struggles from our life and work overseas, I was reading in Isaiah (that is: scouring the Bible for any fresh word of encouragement), when this verse was given:

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” -Isaiah 40:2

Did you hear those words? To those who have no might He increases strength. This is very different to me than the (equally inspired, equally important, equally truth-filled) verses that call us to strengthen ourselves (“Be strong…”). This is the verse to the woman at the absolute end of her rope. When you have no power left to do this one more time (one more day, one more cycle, one more year, one more whatever) — He meets you there with strength.

I beg you to be empowered (literally!) by this hope-filled truth today. It’s only appropriate to end this post by sharing the full context of this comforting verse. I encourage you to read Isaiah 40 when you have a quiet moment today, and soak your heart in this great truth about the Strong One who has enough strength for everyone.